Adding Audio to an IM or Desktop Sharing Session

In Communicator Web Access, you can turn any instant messaging or desktop sharing session into an audio conference. When you do so, Communicator Web Access sets up a conference call with all session participants. Everyone who is participating in the session can communicate by telephone, as well as by instant messaging or desktop sharing. No special equipment or software is needed to participate in an audio conference; all you need is a telephone.

Note: Mobile phones can also be used for audio conferencing.

Audio conferencing is available only from within an existing instant messaging or desktop sharing session. To create an audio conference you must start an IM or desktop sharing session and then add audio to it.

To add audio to an IM or desktop sharing session

In the Conversation window, click the Phone button, click Join Conference Now Using, and then do one of the following:

Click one of your published phone numbers.

Click New Number. In the Phone Number box, type the phone number that you want to use for the audio conference, and then press ENTER.

Communicator Web Access will then call you at the number you specified. When you answer the phone, you will be connected to the audio conference.

Communicator Web Access will also send all session participants an invitation to the audio conference. If anyone declines the invitation, his or her telephone will not ring, but he or she will remain connected to the instant messaging or desktop sharing session.

Alternatively, the invitee can click Redirect and then specify a phone number they would like to use for the audio conference. Communicator Web Access will then dial that the specified phone number.

To invite contacts to an existing audio conference

If an audio conference is already in progress, you can invite others to join the conversation.

In the Conversation window, click Invite and then click Invite Someone.

In the Invite Someone pane, click the person or persons you would like to invite, and then click OK.

Communicator Web Access will send an invitation to each of the selected contacts.

To invite people not on your Contact List to an existing audio conference

You can also invite people who are not in your Contact List to join the conference.

In the Conversation window, click Meet Now.

Click the arrow beside the Invite button, and then click Invite Using Email.

Communicator Web Access will generate a URL that other people can use to join the conversation. Right-click the URL, and then click Copy.

In an e-mail message or an instant message, paste the hyperlink, and then send the link to anyone you want to invite to the conversation.